Abstract:
This study aimed to examine the issue of job stress and its effect on some
‘human components’ of HRD (general health, wellbeing, capabilities and
cognitive capacity). The study adopted a descriptive research design, utilizing
both quantitative and qualitative methods. Target population comprised staff
of the College of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast. The census
approach was used to include all the 223 staff at the College in the study. Data
collection was done through a survey questionnaire and a key informant
interviews and presented using frequencies and percentages. Statistical tools
employed include: A single sample t-test, Pearson’s product moment coefficient,
the Chi-Square test of independence, a simple linear regression and a
Principal Component Analysis. The findings suggested that the major sources
of job stress at CoDE were work demand, work-life conflict and work
overload, and that, job stress inversely affect all the components of HRD. The
study also found 60% of the staff to have moderate stress levels and 22% to
have high stress levels. It was further discovered that CoDE’s staff employ
disengagement, active, acceptance coping and problem solving approaches in
combating job stress. However, no formal stress management strategies were
identified. The study recommended that CoDE’s mode of operation should be
enhanced with emerging technologies, the Regional Centers should be
adequately resourced to handle some of the activities of the College, and there
should be periodic health screening for all staff to identify those who may be
at risk and to assist them
